Jammu (National Times): Amid rising concerns over regional water security, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has categorically rejected a central proposal to construct a 113 km-long canal to transfer excess water from rivers in J&K to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
In an emphatic statement, Abdullah said, “There is a drought-like situation in Jammu. Why should I send water to Punjab? Punjab already had water under the Indus Water Treaty. Did they help us when we needed water?”
The proposed canal, intended to optimize water usage across northern India, aims to divert surplus flow from the western rivers of the Indus system — a move that has sparked strong opposition from the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
Abdullah emphasized that J&K’s water needs must take precedence, especially amid current climatic challenges. He added that the Union Territory should not be expected to compromise its essential resources for others when its own regions are facing acute shortages.
The statement has drawn mixed reactions. While leaders in Jammu have hailed the Chief Minister for defending regional interests, several political figures from Punjab and Haryana have criticized the position as “short-sighted” and “against the spirit of cooperative federalism.”
Water experts also weighed in, noting that inter-state water disputes are becoming increasingly complex due to shifting monsoon patterns and changing glacier dynamics in the Himalayas.
As calls for dialogue grow louder, the Centre is expected to hold consultations with all stakeholders before moving forward with the project.
